MR imaging in abdominal emergencies

The use of MR imaging in the emergency setting is evolving. Clear indications include situations in need of contrast media when iodinated contrast cannot be administered or to facilitate assessments in pregnant patients and children when exposure to ionizing radiation is considered unacceptable. The availability of rapid, motion immune sequences now makes MR imaging a feasible study in less cooperative patients extending the range of patients for whom a diagnostic study can be achieved. Further investigations are needed to identify the diagnostic algorithms for which this favorable use holds true.